026 -- [Voice || Written || Action]

[endgames]

If I see another mountain again, it'll be too soon. Did any of you know that sirry means "ridiculous"? [He snorts.] Explains a lot. Avalanches. Yetis. More freaking snow. Man, that mission was a pain...

[/whine and complain]

Anyways. I'm back. [Technically has been for two days albeit not in town, so he'll make it official.] Anything interesting hap- [His disinterested tone gives way to irritation as he turns his attention to something off-screen.] Oi that's not for you-

[The journal snaps shut with a sigh. He never finishes speaking, but about an hour later the post is transcribed... minus the interruption, and now with complete sentences.

If you're out today now that the heavy rain of the few days is finally letting up, you might spot Shikamaru coming back into the village from the North... closely followed by a deer much larger than Luceti's usual fare ((think five feet at the shoulders, six at the head, and eight feet with antlers)). The stag seems pretty content to follow him around - even into town or just standing around when he sits - despite sticking to the tree-lined paths when he can. Shikamaru talks to him sometimes.

Yes, talks, shut up.]

Comments

[niceguypose]

After the disgrace that happened last time, I feel uncomfortable being the one to open communications.

[endgames]

[Sigh. He folds his arms.]

Lee, I'm gonna share some wisdom with you that I learned after that experiment.

[niceguypose]

[He leans in closer.]

Yes, Shikamaru-kun? Let me bask in your wise words of youth!

[endgames]

--not too close.

[niceguypose]

[He backs away slightly.]

Ah! ...Go on, please.

[endgames]

[Good, there we go. He clears his throat, a very severe look on his face.]

Lee, as men it is our duty in life - and relationships - to suffer.

[niceguypose]

[He nods attentively.]

Of course... the suffering of man is a most noble aspect of romance. I suppose this is a lesson I have already learned in my dedication to Sakura-san.

[endgames]

[Exactly. Shikamaru rubs a knuckle under his nose, sniffing.]

What you don't know is that the same is true even when you have no intentions to pursue a relationship.

When something like a date or what you described occurs, women want closure. We men are expected to take the first step in spite of this.

[niceguypose]

Ah... I see. [He scribbles some notes down in a notepad. Shikamaru's obviously an authority on relationships.]

So, this closure you speak of, for the incident in which we sang romantically atop a flying carpet... this duty falls to me?

[endgames]

[You're learning from the best, Lee. God help you.]

Correct.

[niceguypose]

Then I shall fulfill my duty! Surely that must have been the solution towards any awkwardness with Temari-san. Gai-Sensei would most likely approve of this analysis of a man's duty.

[endgames]

[If Gai has even had any experience with it...]

It makes things a lot easier, lemme tell you.

[niceguypose]

I see. Thank you for this valued advice, Shikamaru-kun. I shall do my best to act on it in the near future.

[endgames]

Good luck, man. I hope it works out.

[niceguypose]

Thank you, Shikamaru-kun. And I hope you can experience a great romance one day for yourself. ...And Rikamaru-san as well!

[endgames]

Heh. [Siiiigh.] Don't remind me. It'll be rutting season soon enough...

[He is referring to the deer, of course. With that he turns his shoulders to go, the stag following a moment after.]

Later, Lee.

[niceguypose]

[And Lee waves them both off.]

Farewell, Shikamaru-kun and Rikamaru-san! It has been an honor to meet you!